An event commemorating the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was held online by connecting the atomic bombed areas of Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Tokyo, and the atomic bomb survivors and young people working on the abolition of nuclear weapons aimed to realize a "world without nuclear weapons". I confirmed that I would expand my activities.
This event was held by groups of A-bomb survivors connecting three venues in Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki online.
First, a video message from Setsuko Thurlow (89), a Canadian resident who had been exposed to the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and talked about her experiences around the world, said that she was "very impressed" about the entry into force of the treaty. He said, "Our actions are required more than ever before, and let's take the courage to continue on the road to the complete abolition of nuclear weapons."
Next, Mr. Terumi Tanaka (88), the representative member of the Japan Confederation of Atomic Bomb Victims, who visited the venue in Tokyo, said, "I want you to know how inhumane weapons are to eliminate nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, I would like to do my best to get Japan, which has not ratified the treaty, and nuclear-weapon states to participate in the treaty. "
After that, at the venue in Hiroshima, the A-bomb survivors and young people who are engaged in activities to convey the experiences of the A-bomb survivors talked about their thoughts, and in Nagasaki, how to connect the entry into force of the treaty to a movement aimed at the abolition of nuclear weapons. Opinions were exchanged on how to go.
And finally, Akari Endo (22), a member of the group working on the abolition of nuclear weapons and a fourth-year university student in Tokyo, said, "To make the treaty a new starting point and realize a society without nuclear weapons with our own power. Let's move on together. "
"The younger generation needs to take over"
A-bomb survivors and young people from Hiroshima City expressed their new determination to abolish nuclear weapons.
At the venue in Hiroshima City, Acting Chairman Tomoyuki Minomaki of the Hiroshima Prefectural Union said, "The moment when the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons came into effect was the moment when we saw the light of hope. We can continue to appeal to Japan and the world for the abolition of nuclear weapons for humankind. It's important, "he said.
After that, five university students and high school students in turn introduced their own peace activities, such as listening to the experiences of the A-bomb survivors and transmitting them as pictures and plays.
In this, Mr. Kazuma Sugano of Hiroshima University Graduate School said, "This treaty is due to the many years of efforts of the atomic bomb survivors. We younger generations need to take over in order to continue our steps toward the abolition of nuclear weapons." I was talking.